In a second statement the inconsolable actress, who dated Cory for two years, said she was "deeply grateful" for all the "love and support" she had received but reiterated her pleas for privacy.

"Lea is deeply grateful for all the love and support she’s received from family, friends, and fans. Since Cory’s passing, Lea has been grieving alongside his family and making appropriate arrangements with them", reads the statement sent to People magazine.

She added: "They are supporting each other as they endure this profound loss together. We continue to ask the media to respect the privacy of Lea and Cory’s family.”

The British Columbia Coroners Service in Canada confirmed on Tuesday Glee actor Cory had died from an overdose of alcohol and heroin in a "most tragic accident."

In a statement released on Tuesday it states the Glee star "died of a mixed drug toxicity, involving heroin and alcohol" after an autopsy and toxicological testing was conducted.

(Image: WIREIMAGE)

The statement continued: "There is no evidence to suggest Mr. Monteith's death was anything other than a most tragic accident. Mr. Monteith's family has been made aware of the circumstances surrounding the death.

"On behalf of family members, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time."

The investigation into the death is continuing and the Coroners Service added that it offers "its sincere condolences to Mr. Monteith's family and friends".

Cory had been in the Canadian city of Vancouver where he was visiting his mother and the actor checked into the Fairmount Pacific Rim Hotel for the duration of his stay.

"Glass half full. All the good things that he’s done. There’s more things on that side to focus on.”

Describing Cory as his "hero", Richard said: "Cory would do anything for anyone. Give you the shirt off his back.”

"It’s like my hero died. He’s my hero because … he made me believe. He just told me no matter how long your tunnel is … just know that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. He was that light for me.”

(Image: Global News)

Pictures also emerged this week of the t he star seen smiling for the camera while standing alongside Lea in the Canadian city on July 6.

The pair were out enjoying the sunshine at the The Shop, a cafe and retailer which sells clothes and accessories for people interested in motorcycles.

Cory also posed for a picture in which he was wearing a grey T-shirt from The Shop alongside a man wearing a black one.

The actor was spending time with his Glee star girlfriend and motorbike enthusiasts ahead of a rally and was that day said to have checked into the hotel where he was found dead.

His pal Elena K also snapped a shot of Cory in shadow a few days later, which he used as his Twitter home shot. It may have been the last picture taken of him alive.

The actor had battled addiction since he began smoking cannabis, aged 13. His parents divorced when he was seven and he grew up troubled, lacking a father figure.

The once promising student attended 16 different schools. Eventually he started stealing from friends and family to fund his growing addiction.

In interviews later he admitted skipping lessons to get drunk and smoke pot before quitting school altogether at the age of 16.

(Image: Getty)

Three years later the actor, who played heart-throb Finn Hudson in Glee, had his first spell in rehab.

Speaking about his problems as a youth, Cory said he was lucky his addiction hadn’t killed him.

He explained: “I did anything and everything – as much as possible. I had a serious problem. I was out of control. I am lucky to be alive.”

Glee bosses have described Corey as “an exceptional talent and an even more exceptional person” following his death.

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A statement from the Glee executive producers, 20th Century Fox TV and Fox Broadcasting read: "We are deeply saddened by this tragic news.

“Cory was an exceptional talent and an even more exceptional person. He was a true joy to work with and we will all miss him tremendously.